Help for Writers Finding solutions to writing problems is vital because better writing translates into better communication, which leads to better business.  Better writing can also lead to better employment opportunities.  Ultimately, better writing leads to greater success. The Writing Solutions pages contain snippets of information about writing various kinds of content, definitions of terms related to writing, rules of grammar, and links to writing resources.

Reference Materials ► The Call to Action is an important part of the promotion. The call to action is the closing statement of a promotion.  Its purpose is to persuade the potential customer, consumer, or client to take your desired action.  Therefore, it should be thoughtful and compelling. This article contains more information about writing a call to action. http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/5116/marketing/calls_to_action_making_them_fit_makes_all_the_difference.html ► An online dictionary with a "reverse" feature This online dictionary provides more than just definitions.  It includes a full-text translator, English and Spanish words of the day, and grammar, usage, and style guides.  One neat feature, the Reverse Dictionary, allows the user to search on an idea or definition to find the appropriate word. http://dictionary.reference.com/ ► A Guide to Grammar This guide is sure to help anyone develop effective business writing skills.  The site includes information about grammar at the “word and sentence level,” “paragraph level,” and “essay and research paper level.”  The FAQ section is especially helpful because it provides answers to some of the most common questions about grammar.  For instance, have you ever been confused about when to use the word “bad” or “badly” in a sentence?  The Guide to Grammar’s FAQ will provide the answer. http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ ► A Good Reference Book for Your Library Author Suzanne D. Sparks includes a variety of practical information about effective business writing in her book, The Manager's Guide to Business Writing. It is easy to read and provides lots of examples of business communication (i.e., e-mails, letters, and memos). The book’s easy-to-follow format includes stand alone boxes that include tips, warnings, how-to hints, procedures, and other helpful information.  Ms. Sparks’ well-organized discussions will help managers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and anyone who writes for business develop effective business communication skills.

Marketing Writing Tips ♦ Know your audience Before writing marketing communication find out as much information about your target audience as possible. For instance, what are their ages, occupations, gender, interests, income levels, martial status, and needs? What is important to them?  What are their values, beliefs, and goals? How knowledgeable are they about the subject? Of course, the kind of information that you need to gather about your target audience depends on what goods and services you are selling.  But the more complete a picture you can create about your audience, the more successful you will be in writing brochures, sales letters, web site content, product descriptions, newspaper ads, and other promotional information that will reach and connect your business to your target market. ♦ Write your materials from the audience's or reader's perspective If you want to grab and hold the attention of your audience, you must let them know what benefit they will gain from reading your materials. Will your products or services solve a problem that they are struggling with? Will they save money by choosing your service? Will your product make their lives easier? Will they learn something new about an issue of importance to them? If your message does not immediately tell the audience how your business will help them, it probably won't capture and keep its attention. ♦ Write clear and straightforward sentences Quick, simple, and crystal clear are three words that describe effective promotional materials. Audiences are on "information overload," and long blocks of text can confuse, distract, and bore them. Short and straightforward sentences point work best. ♦ Do not use jargon Jargon is terminology that applies to a particular activity, industry, group, or profession. It should only be used in written materials if the audience is familiar with the terminology. Successful business writing focuses on the needs of the target audience. If the audience has very little knowledge of the jargon, they are less likely to read the material. (Reference: Essentials of Business Communication by Mary Ellen Guffey.) ♦ Guide readers through the document Use headings, subheadings, and white space, to visually guide readers through your materials. Headings and subheadings give readers valuable information at a glance. They can be used to transition from one topic to the next and connect information. They also enable readers to easily find information that is of greatest importance or interest to them. White space gives materials a clean and organized feel. It can draw attention to text and make information easier to read. ♦ Use bold, underline, italic, and other font attributes sparingly The use of special typefaces such as bold or italic is a great way to grab readers' attention and emphasize important information. But, if used too much, these special attributes lose their impact and make text more difficult to read.